The Process Of Becoming A Mother Has A Name: Matrescence

Concept Origins

The term "matrescence" was coined in the 1970s by medical anthropologist Dana Raphael to describe the complex transition into motherhood. This concept, though initially overlooked, gained traction as more women entered scientific fields and began exploring maternal mental health. Grace Bastidas highlights how Orly Athan, a reproductive psychologist, advanced this idea by interviewing mothers and recognizing the multifaceted experiences they undergo.

They didn't have like a good or bad experience. They had a complex, deep and stretching experience that was not just the sort of postpartum depression narrative, but also this sort of maturation into greater patience and compassion.

--- Unknown

The term has empowered mothers by providing a framework to understand their experiences, moving beyond the simplistic postpartum depression narrative 1.

   

Psychological Framework

Matrescence is not just a physical transformation but a profound psychological shift that affects various aspects of a mother's life. Orly Athan has been pivotal in framing this transition as a holistic change, impacting everything from bodily sensations to philosophical beliefs. Grace Bastidas explains that this understanding helps mothers recognize the normalcy of their emotional rollercoaster, alleviating the pressure to feel constant joy.

By creating a more compassionate conversation around childbirth focused squarely on mothers, Orly's psychological framework took off.

--- Grace Bastidas

This framework has inspired many to articulate their feelings and find empowerment in shared experiences 1.

   

Navigating Matrescence

Navigating matrescence involves managing expectations and seeking support during this transformative period. Grace Bastidas emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the emotional upheaval that comes with motherhood, likening it to adolescence in its intensity and scope. She notes that societal focus often shifts to the newborn, leaving mothers feeling isolated and unprepared for the changes they face.

Welcoming home a new baby is joyful and exciting, but it can also be completely discombobulating, that postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the mirror, thinking that you've lost yourself.

--- Grace Bastidas

By prioritizing self-care and realistic expectations, mothers can better navigate this challenging yet rewarding life stage 2.